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It was a good week, according to Preble County Fair Manager James Mays, who helped bring the 164th Preble County Fair to fruition Saturday, July 26-Aug. 2.

And it was a week that saw records broken at the Sale of Champions. The grand champion steer sold for over $9,300.

“I think overall, the week went great,” Mays said as the fair closed on Saturday, Aug. 2. “The community came out strong and supported us. The junior fair projects all went great.”

Although he said he receieved a lot of positive feedback, Mays said there’s always room for improvement.

“There’s always something to work on,” he said. “It’s about building relationships. That’s one of the things I keep hearing that some of those relationships have gone away, whether it be business or personal. Getting those people to come back and support us and rebuilding those bridges.

Misc:

Attendance for this year was down just under 300 people, according to records. On a good note, attendance for this year’s fair was up four of the final five days, according to officials.

Twelve Junior Fair members auctioned off their animals Friday, Aug. 1, at the Preble County Junior Fair Sale of Champions, and records were made and broken.

Peyton Caplinger’s goat went for $2,000. He said he felt good that his animal was sold for $2,000 and said he had help from his buyers. He also thanked his mom, dad and breeder.

Celeste Caplinger, Peyton’s mother, said she thinks kids getting involved with 4-H helps to teach them about responsibility, finances and it is something that will help carry them through life.

Claire Sorrell’s hog went for $3,400. Claire’s father, Eric Sorrell, said he was surprised the hog went for so much.

“We’re not in it for the money,” Sorrell said.

Sorrell said Claire got the hog when it weighed about 40 pounds and raised it from there. He said he and his wife also did 4-H growing up and said it helps to teach the kids responsibility, about themselves and how to take care of livestock.

Sorrell said each of his kids started showing pigs at about two years old.

“They know what’s going on,” Sorrell said.

Sorrell said so many kids put in the time and effort for Junior Fair and said many of the kids from different school districts become friends.

Paige Lee broke the record of $500 for a reserve champion turkey, with hers selling for $1,250.

Trent Broermann, who has been in 4-H for six years, also broke the previous record for the sale of a grand champion steer with a sale of $9,350. His sister set the previous record of $9,000 in 2013.

Trent’s father, Mike Broermann, said his family has been fortunate. He said part of the reason his children have been able to bring in high amounts of money for their steers is because of his parents and strong family ties.

He said each year, his children try to improve on the year before. Mike Broermann said although some sibling rivalry might exist, his children make a good team.

“My hat goes off to them for the hours they spend with them,” Mike Broermann said.

Mike Broermann also thanked the community for the support.

Trent Broermann said it feels good to know his hard work has paid off. He said he will probably buy more cattle with the money he has gotten.

Mark and Amanda Adams, with Adams Painting and Charlie-Paul’s Concessions, were in a group sale for Alisha Rader’s reserve champion market lamb.

He said he wanted to support the kids because it’s good for them to be involved in Junior Fair. He said he likes to spread his money around, especially toward the end of the auction when many buyers have left.

“They kids need the support,” Adams said. “It’s good to see them get rewarded for the hard work they put in.”

(Editor Eddie Mowen Jr. contributed to this article.)

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